FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation / International Swimming Federation) is the governing organization of all aquatics. It sets the rules and regulations for aquatic facilities to meet in order to hold international competitive swim meets.

The 45 year old, 8-lane, 65 metre pool did not have an end wall configuration that met the FINA requirement for a 0.3m. rise about water level, which did not allow the use of swim timing touchpads. The solution was a stainless steel headwall to modify the existing end wall to comply with the FINA requirements.

The headwall is 68’ long, 3’-3/8” wide, and 11-13/16” tall. It is constructed from 316L stainless steel and GPM polymer grating. It consists of a handhold, target markings, transition markers, and two (2) facility logos. The headwall can be removed if needed to allow for ample room of other aquatic programming to take place.

Natare built the headwall in multiple sections at their Indianapolis, Indiana facility and then shipped it to the Brantford, Ontario aquatic centre. It was then assembled on-site and anchored to the existing pool end wall by technicians from Austin Carroll. Installation time was only eight (8) hours.

The facility’s manager of program and services, Karen Winter, was extremely happy with not only the process, but the finished product as well. “From start to finish the installation of the new headwall and starting blocks at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre was great. Austin Carroll Pools was easy to work with, quick on communication, and completed the project efficiently and accurately.”

The investment that was made in the new headwall will benefit Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre for years to come. The centre currently holds local and provincial swim meets, but are now eligible to be certified for FINA sanctioned events, including international competition. Any records that are set during competition will also be honored.

Winter went on to say, “This new headwall and starting blocks will allow the Brantford Aquatic swim team to continue to compete at the top level!”

Images courtesy of Austin Carroll Pool Construction Ltd.

About Austin Carroll Pool Construction Ltd.Austin Carroll is a commercial and public pool design and construction specialist located in Milton, Ontario. Since 2003, they have become synonymous with innovation, quality and attention to detail in pool construction and renovation. See more at www.acpool.ca.

About Natare CorporationNatare is a world-renowned manufacturer of pool equipment and construction systems based in the United States (Indianapolis, Indiana). We have been recognized for our robust, high-value stainless steel pools, filtration system, and pool accessories such as moving bulkheads. See more at www.natare.com.